The Fort Peck Tribes’ Tribal Employment Rights Office is sponsoring an oilfield drilling school taught by one of the world’s premiere instructors in the business.

A pre-screening seminar for those interested in attending the school will be held Wednesday, July 11, at the Fort Peck Community College Dumont Building in Wolf Point from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The prescreening seminar will help find students that are dedicated and committed to participating in the oilfield training.

Once the screening is complete, 15 students will be selected and each will receive a $2,500 TERO scholarship, allowing them to attend the training that begins on July 16.

Reg MacDonald, president and CEO of Maritime Drilling Schools Limited, will teach the 10-day course. MacDonald has been teaching oil drilling and related courses since 2000 and is accredited with the International Association of Drilling Contractors. MacDonald has received numerous awards for his work, including being nominated for the 2002 Ernest and Young World Business Award and Entrepreneur of the Year. His former students are now working for more than 100 drilling contractors around the world.

As the Bakken oil patch expands into northeastern Montana and the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, more workers will be needed to meet the demand for oil industry employees, said Kevin Buckles, the tribes’ TERO director.

“This is a great opportunity to learn the nuts and bolts of oil drilling from a world-class instructor,” Buckles said. “You’ll learn everything from regulations and safety to the mechanics of oil drilling.”

Space in the course is limited. Potential students are asked to be at least 18 years old, pass a drug test, have a Fort Peck Tribal I.D. card, a valid driver’s license, a high school diploma or G.E.D. and able to attend 10 days of class with no absenteeism. Women and veterans are encouraged to apply. To register for the pre-screening seminar or for more information, contact TERO at 768-2460.